The Dallas Cowboys are once again searching for a defensive coordinator, marking the fourth such search since 2023, after a disappointing 7-9-1 season that kept them out of the playoffs for a second straight year.
While rookie head coach Brian Schottenheimer earned praise for overseeing a productive offense, the defense was a major liability, prompting the dismissal of Matt Eberflus and an urgent need to stabilize the team’s struggling unit.
In the midst of this search, an unexpected name has emerged as a potential candidate: Jim Leonhard, currently serving on the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff as defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach.
Leonhard’s NFL experience is extensive, spanning his playing career as a standout safety and his early coaching stints in both college and professional football, giving him a diverse and well-rounded background in defensive strategy.
Schottenheimer, who spent three seasons with Leonhard in New York while serving as the Jets’ offensive coordinator, praised him highly, citing both his football intelligence and leadership ability.
“I saw Jim before we played Denver,” Schottenheimer said, per The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris. “Jim’s a heck of a football coach. You talk about a great football player, man. We had some great years together in New York…”
Schottenheimer also acknowledged the influence of the coaching staffs Leonhard has worked under, including Sean Payton and Vance Joseph, emphasizing Leonhard’s ability to learn from experienced mentors and translate that knowledge into his own schemes.
Leonhard’s journey in football coaching began after his retirement as a player in 2014, starting with the University of Wisconsin, where he spent seven years, including a stint as defensive coordinator and even interim head coach.
He briefly served as Illinois’ senior football analyst in 2023 before joining Sean Payton’s staff in the NFL the following year, marking his transition back to the professional ranks and providing him with experience at the highest level.
In 2025, Leonhard was elevated to assistant head coach with the Denver Broncos, adding leadership experience to his resume and further enhancing his appeal to teams like the Cowboys looking for defensive stability.
Dallas’ defense began the season in turmoil, particularly after trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in August, leaving a significant void that the team struggled to fill despite a midseason addition.
The Cowboys added Quinnen Williams in a trade with the New York Jets near the deadline, providing an immediate boost, but the overall defensive performance continued to falter, exposing weaknesses across the roster and highlighting the need for strong coordinator leadership.
Under Eberflus, the Cowboys’ defense reached new depths, finishing as the league’s 32nd-ranked scoring defense, allowing an NFL-worst 30.1 points per game—the first time in franchise history Dallas has conceded 30 or more points per contest in a season.
This historical low has intensified pressure on Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office to secure a defensive coordinator capable of not only improving statistics but also instilling discipline and consistency across the unit.
Leonhard’s combination of NFL experience, coaching pedigree, and previous work with Schottenheimer makes him a logical candidate, particularly given his understanding of complex defensive schemes and ability to develop both young and veteran talent.
Dallas’ coaching search is further complicated by the high stakes of the team’s offseason goals, which include reclaiming playoff relevance and stabilizing a defense that has been inconsistent for multiple seasons.
The Cowboys’ options are numerous, but Leonhard’s recent success in Denver, including his role in improving the team’s pass defense and managing game-day strategy, gives him a notable edge in the interview process.
With the team entering a pivotal offseason, the defensive coordinator hire will be scrutinized heavily by fans and analysts alike, with expectations that this individual must turn one of the NFL’s worst defenses into a competitive unit.
Schottenheimer’s endorsement of Leonhard publicly signals that the Cowboys are seriously considering a candidate who understands the franchise’s culture, has NFL experience, and possesses the leadership qualities necessary to rebuild a historically struggling defense.
The hiring decision will ultimately reflect not just the Cowboys’ tactical approach, but also Jerry Jones’ willingness to invest in coaching talent to achieve long-term success and return Dallas to playoff contention.
As the Cowboys prepare to interview candidates, the league will be watching closely, and Jim Leonhard appears poised to be a frontrunner in a search that could redefine Dallas’ defensive identity for years to come.
